Foxes have been part of Britain’s natural landscape for centuries, nocturnal and not particularly fond of humans they are a rare sight but easily recognisable by their red coats and fluffy tails. Foxes have long been romanticised by writers like Roald Dahl as well as by animal and wildlife activists. However, our lack of contact with these creatures is somewhat of a blessing because they are actually incredibly vicious, territorial and dangerous to humans and other animals alike. Whether wild or urban, foxes are unpredictable animals, not the cuddly Fantastic Mr Fox so many consider them to be. These pests kill chickens and pets, become territorial over certain ‘patches’ or gardens and have been known to attack humans, especially children.
Big eyes, fluffy tales and a distinctive red coat may seem to have the aww factor but foxes are wild animals and as such, they should be treated with respect and suspicion in equal part. We may be their biggest natural predator but foxes will gladly put up a fight. In the space of just eight years the London and Home Counties areas have witnessed five horrendous, high profile fox attacks:
Fox Attacks and Incidents
1. Louis Day (2002)
14-week old Louis was attacked at his home in Dartford, Kent. He suffered puncture wounds to his head as a result of the attack
2. Jessica Brown (2003)
Whilst sleeping in her upstairs bedroom, four year old Jessica was bitten on the arm by a fox that had not only gotten inside the North London home but had made its way to her room on the next floor
3. Bromley, Kent (2009)
A mysterious spate of sabotaged brakes in Bromley, Kent was revealed to be the handiwork of urban foxes. Acquiring a taste for brake fluid, the group had chewed their way through nine vehicles’ brake cables
4. Koupparis Twins (2010)
At 9 months old, twins Isabella and Lola were attacked in their cot by a fox that made its way upstairs in their Hackney, East London home. One girl suffered deep cuts and punctures on her arm, the other was found with a lot of blood on her face
5. Jake Jermy (2010)
After being attacked by a fox whilst at a school party in Brighton, East Sussex, three year old Jake was taken to hospital. After stroking the animal’s tail, which was sticking out from under one of the school’s temporary building, the toddler was bitten on the arm
In addition to these direct attacks and cases of dangerous nuisance in London, foxes have shown themselves to be a threatening and problematic pest further afield. In November 2008 a man was jogging in Arizona (USA) when he was bitten on the arm and leg by a rabid fox whilst Edinburgh has long-suffered a fox epidemic, resulting in the death of many pets across the city. As well as direct attacks, foxes pose indirect threats. Due to being so territorial they urinate and defecate anywhere; gardens, cars, walkways or sand pits to name but a few. Their waste can contain various harmful bacteria and transmit diseases like Toxascaris or Weil’s disease to humans.
With foxes posing such a threat and with so many attacks concentrated on urban centres, it has never been more important to utilise pest control – London families’ safety depends on it. So if you are suffering from a fox infestation in your area, don’t wait for the animal to make its move. Call us today and enjoy a pest-free tomorrow.
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